UPDATE: Onslow County is now activating two pet shelters: Jacksonville Commons Middle School and Dixon High School.
Military pet owners at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, will not be able to bring their animals to on-base shelters during Hurricane Matthew should they need to take refuge.
"Service animals are permitted; however due to local and state health and safety regulations, Red Cross-supported shelters do not allow pets in disaster shelters," said Nat Fahy, a spokesman for both installations. "Our shelters are supported by the Armed Services chapter of the American Red Cross."
Animals must be crated at all times and owners need to shelter with their pets, Eversull said on Friday. Staff from Onslow County Animal Services will be on-site to help people with their pets.
Both shelters can also accommodate people with special needs, Eversull said.
Each pet will need a Hurricane Disaster Kit, which includes water; non-perishable food; medications; up-to-date vaccination records; a crate or carrier; a collar or leash; clean-up supplies, according to a message on both installations' websites
Pet owners also are encouraged to bring a recent photo of their pet in case they are separated from their animals.
Here are tips on how to keep your pets safe during dangerous weather.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Onslow County.
Important safety tips for taking care of pets during a storm: Never leave animals outside; never leave a cat with a dog, even if the two are friends; keep small pets such as birds and hamsters away from cats and dogs; and dangerous animals should be kept in special crates or cages, the message says.
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, will have one on-base shelter that accepts some pets, base spokesman Mike Barton said.
"The Marine Dome, a gymnasium that serves as one of two shelters located on the air station, is a 'pet friendly' shelter, but it is restricted to domestic dogs and cats," Barton said. "Owners must remain in the shelter with their pets. Owners provide kennel, food, water and bowls. Pets must be on a leash or in a kennel at all times. Vaccination records are required."
Hurricane Matthew is projected to bring heavy winds and rain to South Carolina, where non-essential personnel and families from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort have already evacuated. The air station has not yet opened any shelters, either for people or pets, said base spokesman Capt. Clay Groover.
